Subaru Forester: best and worst years
Every model year, ranked by owner complaints reported to NHTSA relative to time on the road. Click a year for its problems, recalls and trouble codes.

Years to avoid: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Complaint rates far above this model's median, even after adjusting for time on the road.
Held up best: 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013
The fewest complaints relative to years on the road - at most half the model's median rate.
2026too new to judge22 complaints · 3 recalls2025too new to judge95 complaints · 3 recalls2024too new to judge29 complaints · 2 recalls202373 complaints · 1 recalls202298 complaints · 1 recalls2021worst year207 complaints · 0 recalls2020worst year601 complaints · 0 recalls2019worst year833 complaints · 3 recalls2018worst year496 complaints · 3 recalls2017worst year587 complaints · 1 recalls2016worst year415 complaints · 3 recalls2015worst year614 complaints · 3 recalls2014worst year403 complaints · 2 recalls2013solid year77 complaints · 12 recalls2012105 complaints · 15 recalls2011147 complaints · 16 recalls2010262 complaints · 17 recalls2009178 complaints · 18 recalls2008solid year50 complaints · 1 recalls2007solid year74 complaints · 1 recalls2006solid year88 complaints · 2 recalls200593 complaints · 1 recalls2004219 complaints · 2 recalls2003189 complaints · 3 recalls2002solid year88 complaints · 1 recalls2001139 complaints · 0 recalls2000solid year75 complaints · 0 recalls1999131 complaints · 1 recalls1998101 complaints · 1 recalls
Ranked by complaints per year on the road (age capped at 12 years), so older years do not lead just because they have been around longer. Years under 3 years old are not judged - they have not had time to show their problems. Rates are relative to this model only and are not adjusted for sales volume.